Earth Force Inc. won the Governor’s 2007 Environmental Excellence Award for its work to educate and engage students and help teachers better understand environmental matters.

“From the Delaware Valley to Lake Erie, Earth Force is making a difference,” said Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty. “Its innovative service learning program nurtures environmental interest in young people. By instilling a sense of environmental awareness among our children, we’re raising a new generation of stewards who will protect our natural resources. And by helping teachers better understand environmental issues, the group is making sure future generations will receive the same valuable lessons.”

From August 1, 2005, to July 30, 2006, Earth Force engaged 4,000 young Pennsylvanians in environmental problem solving, generated 84 youth-driven environmental action projects, and prepared 350 Pennsylvania teachers to improve environmental literacy in 70 schools and after-school sites from Philadelphia to Erie.

Through its community action and problem solving program, Earth Force educators guide students in implementing environmental action projects that benefit Pennsylvania’s communities. Projects include urban greening efforts, water quality improvements, community waste management and recycling, habitat restoration and energy conservation.

The Earth Force program aims to foster critical thinking skills among young people by interacting with experts, exploring different points of view and balancing costs and benefits. Young people are encouraged to look for long-term solutions by evaluating public policies and community practices, and examining the combined human activities that impact the environment.

During the 2005-2006 school year, about 55 percent of Earth Force students came from economically disadvantaged families.

“The Earth Force approach is unique because it gets young people to think like scientists and act like citizens,” said Secretary McGinty.

The Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence honors Pennsylvania organizations and businesses that put in place projects to tackle environmental problems, help build new businesses, enhance the bottom line and engage residents in a renewed commitment to investing in communities.

For more information, visit the Earth Force webpages for Delaware Valley and Lake Erie chapters.

The deadline to submit applications for the 2008 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence has been extended to November 2.

10/19/2007